The evening that followed seemed to be merrier than usual, I wondered if our latest arrival may have something to do with the atmosphere. I wore the dark blue sleeveless dress I had been saving for many months. On my arrival at Rivendell, I discovered I had lost a significant amount of weight and I was still getting used to wearing tight-fitting clothes. I just hoped as I walked through the crowds of elves, that I would find a face that I could stick to for the remainder of the evening.
Wading through the crowds, I eventually found cirdan. We stared at each other for a moment before we approached each other; the intense encounter during the day, caused there to be some tension between us.
'Good evening, Victoria,' he began bowing as I curtsied.
'Hello cirdan,' I replied smiling as I took the arm he offered.
'Your friend seems to be enjoying himself,' Cirdan commented looking towards AJ currently chatting to some eleven lords I didn't know.
'His ability to make himself so comfortable in such a short space of time, amazes me.'
'I believe it was a while longer for yourself to feel at so much ease in our presence.'
'Yes, I believe so,' I replied looking down.
'Apologies Victoria, I did not know what to say so would upset or distress you.'
'Oh cirdan, it's alright,' I assured him. 'A realisation has come to mind for me over this last day. I now realise I have been wasting the time I had here being depressed and only focusing on one task instead of admiring the beauty around me. Knowing I cannot look for the area I fell into this world because of the dangers in the country, greatly disappoints me and scares me. I know it is necessary, however. Lord Elrond has cared for me greatly and does not wish to see me harmed; it is my duty to keep his mind at ease. It is only fair after the kindness he has bestowed on me.' I felt cirdan place his hand atop mine and steady us to a halt in the middle of a busy room of chatting voices.
'It is not only Lord Elrond who does not wish to see you harmed.'
'I know.'